Physician offices face the challenge of submitting correct coding information through the billing process. Ensuring timely reimbursement at the highest level for which services were provided, correct coding also proves there are no fraudulent activities occurring at the facility. Performing a....

The ICD-9-CM coding changes for fiscal year 2007 were released in the April 25, 2006, Federal Register (available at www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a060425c.html). Additional code changes were included in the final rule released in August. Changes go into effect with discharges occurring on....

Transvenous intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a relatively new procedure used to treat complications of severe liver disease such as bleeding esophageal varices. This extensive procedure is typically performed by interventional radiologists and involves the placement of a stent in the....

The medical and surgical procedure section of ICD-10-PCS contains most, but not all, procedures typically reported in the hospital inpatient setting. As with all codes in ICD-10-PCS, the medical and surgical procedure codes contain....

Implementing the processes for CPT modifier usage in the outpatient hospital setting has been a topic on everyone's "to do" list since HCFA announced the change. There are many variables in executing this change, such as updating or changing computer systems, training staff, and developing chan....

Recently, a group of coders participated in a survey about their day-to-day experiences as remote, or at-home coders. The survey asked a series of questions related to the positives and negatives of coding at home versus coding in the more traditional office setting. Below is a summary of the....

ICD-10-PCS has a completely different structure than ICD-9-CM. Each ICD-10-PCS code consists of individual values rather than lists of fixed codes and text descriptions, with each value containing a unique definition. The objective of the procedure is identified in the third character, the roo....

The ICD-9-CM coding changes and DRG changes for fiscal year 2003 include 106 new diagnosis codes, 41 new V codes, 16 new E codes, 25 new procedure codes, and 19 invalid diagnosis codes. Released in the August 1, 2002, Federal Register, these changes went into effect October 1, 2002, with disch....

New codes for generalized pain, central pain syndrome, and postoperative pain were approved for ICD-9-CM in FY 2007 and went into effect October 1, 2006. Previously codes for pain were found in the body system chapters and the symptom chapters. A new category was created in the nervous sys....